It changes the way that I, personally, react... It doesn't excuse anything or make it ok. The problem I have with seeing it as ignorance is that often it isn't... Often people pet while they are saying, "I know I'm not supposed to, but I just can't help myself." That is weakness; and if I respond to it with compassion, I can say something along the lines of, "I understand that you have difficulty resisting this, but I really need you to do it because you are endangering me," instead of getting angry because the person should be stronger.

Okay, I think I understand where you're coming from now. I don't think that the responsibility should fall onto you so much though. I mean, these people (in general) know what they're doing is wrong. If someone comes up to me and asks or wants information that's much easier to understand and respect. But the disrespectfulness of those who just dismiss it, taking on the fault and blame for them I think is unfair to yourself. That's just me, and you know I respect you :)

Hi Sarah, I notice you and I share a common interest in Henri Nouwen. As I am new here and this is my first comment, and I don't know you, I don't yet know what your disabilities are. Thanks for being open and honest with a stranger.

I enjoy meeting new people and am especially looking for friends with common interests in this area. I've recently updated my profile with some up-to-date information on my disabilities, though it is pretty basic. I should probably do another basic info post since I'm getting a lot of new folks on my list who probably have very similar questions to yours. *smile* Please friend me if you like, and ask questions if you like, and I may answer in a post.